I am always blown away by what a community can accomplish when they pool their resources. About two months ago a good friend asked me to help him organize a fundraising run/walk for the son of a family friend who is battling lymphoma. Our goal was to keep costs as low as possible so that every penny could be donated to Tom and his family to defray their mounting medical bills. We crossed our fingers and started making phone calls.

First, we needed a place to host the event. Betty Remigino-Knapp, athletic director at Hall High School where Tom graduated and was a football and wrestling captain, offered to let us use their on-campus cross-country course. Hall XC Coach, Tom Butterfield, even volunteered to mark the course and a past member of the Hall XC Team, Frank Duncan, offered to be the course rabbit so no one would get lost. Since no race course is official without a time clock, Team Training New England donated theirs.

Next, Tom's employer, Team Sports (the FSA soccer store) donated all of the shirts and screen printing while Tom's friend who works for Pepsi, offered all the water and soft drinks we would need. Road ID stepped-in to donate the bib numbers and gift certificates, while AC Petersons donated coupons for ice cream cones and SK Lavery Appliances donated TV's and DVD players for the raffle.

The logistics were all coming together, but would people come? We started to spread the word via Facebook and posters plastered around town. Friends and co-workers of the Scalise Family spread the news and Steve Boyle, Hall Guidance Counselor and 2-4-1 Sports Camp Director, sent word to his past campers and offered a pizza party to the Hall HS athletic team with the most participants. Before long, registrations were coming in from all over the state - and across the nation.

My friend and I were still nervous about whether we could pull it off, but the day, this past Sunday, went off like clockwork. The weather was perfect, albeit a little warm and the mood festive - especially because Tom was released from the hospital and cleared to join us.

Everyone did their part and added to the success of the day: local students, members of the extended Scalise family, the West Hartford Preschool and my dad volunteered their time to set-up, handle registration, cheer and hand out refreshments. A family-friend baked dozens of cupcakes. Cassie, one of my staffers who plays drum at the Hart School, came to send the runners off with a drum roll. And Tom's dad stood at the finish line and thanked everyone for participating. All 600+ of them.

In the end, we raised over $20,000 - all of it going to the Scalise family since everything was donated. It truly shows how that the sum of many little parts can yield something huge. As helpful as this money will be, the real reward of the day was the outpouring of love and support from the community. Tom knows he is not alone in this battle - and vows to join us next year. Only this time he's going to be healthy enough to run!

Be Fit!

Lace Up for the Cure Collection:  We are excited to offer some fun pieces from New Balance's Lace Up for the Cure Collection - including a "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" shirt for men! New Balance donates 5% of sales from the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection to Susan G. Komen®!  I love clothes with a purpose!

Acuball: Athletes in the NBA & NHL use it. Dr. Oz even calls it an alternative health "must-have". Now, the secret is out in the running world! This amazing spiny ball is a great way to eliminate trigger points and muscular adhesions, improve flexibility and provide natural acupressure to stimulate blood flow and release your body's natural pain killers. You can even microwave the ball to create a penetrating warmth. Use the bigger ball for your back, neck and legs and the smaller ball for your feet, arms and shoulders. Both fit perfectly in your gym bag, purse or suitcase.

 Nike summer-wear is in the house! For the men, we have a huge selection of shorts including compression, 2" splits, 5", 7" and two-in-ones in both 4" & 7" inseams. On the women's side you'll find the beloved Tempo & Pacer shorts in super fun colors and prints, as well as skirts, dresses (yes, a running dress!), capris and matching tops that range from solid color basics to crazy color combos to ultra-fashionable designs.  

 2" Splits (Men): Streamlined and speedy! These Dri-FIT shorts have an interior media-player pocket for your tunes, elastic waistband with draw cord and contrast piping with side mesh panels for style. They even come with a vented hem and built-in brief liner. Look sharp in the black or go bold in solid yellow! 

Relay Short Sleeve Tee (Men): Runs Hard, Feels Soft. No Sweat. This high-tech running shirt is so soft and comfortable you may find yourself wearing it all weekend long. Testers love the mesh underarm panels for additional breathability as well as the ergonomic, flat seam construction because, let's face it, no one wants chafing or a non-breathable shirt! There is also a reflective headphone cord loop at the back of the neck. Available in regular crew neck and ultra-hip v-neck! Run Hard.  

Two-in-One Shorts (Men): Whether you like the benefits of light compression or want more coverage, two-in-one shorts are a must-have for most men. The built in compression boxer briefs are paired with a lightweight, looser-fit Dri-Fit outer short to creating an ideal combo for comfort, modesty and performance on the run and in the gym. The zippered back waist pocket even lets you store essentials securely. Shorts are available in both a 4" and 7" inseam. Ladies - we have Nike two-in-one shorts for you too!

Relay Strappy Tank (Women): I love this tank! I wore it this past weekend for a long trail run in toasty temperatures and it didn't disappoint. It offered plenty of ventilation and kept me dry and comfortable. At first, I wasn't sure if it would be functional because it is so cute and "strappy", but it was awesome! It's an ideal combo of feminine lines and ruggedness! You can even wear this stylish tank at night thanks to its reflective elements. Available in three colors (and in short-sleeves) so you can coordinate nicely with our other wonderful Nike gear.

Skirt & Dress (Women): Leave it to Nike to help women be comfy and super-cute - even on a long run! It's empowering to look like the fit woman you are while working out. Choose between skirts with built-in compression shorts or capris (support + no chaffing = ahhhh!) or Nike's fun new racerback, figure-flattering dress that can be paired with your favorite bottom. Both feature Nike's Dri-Fit fabric to wick away sweat, ergonomic seams that improve mobility and zip pocket to keep small items safe and secure.

Triathlon Summer Sampler - Begins June 25:

This summer training program is an 8-week swim course with pool-time at Cornerstone Aquatics, hands-on clinics covering topics like transitions, Bricks, nutrition and course previews, and a talk series geared towards preparing athletes for the Lake T Olympic Triathlon in late August. However, athletes competing in other races and distances (including those new to triathlons) can benefit!

Sign up for the whole series and receive a custom training plan for your event, tech tee, swim video analysis and a post-race party! Or, feel free to pick and choose your sessions and pay a $15 drop-in fee.

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Marathon Training Program - Begins June 23/24

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Half Marathon Training Program - Begins July 28:

The half marathon is the perfect distance - and the ING Hartford Half Marathon course is one of the best around as it weaves its way through West Hartford including a jaunt in Elizabeth Park. This program is appropriate for those who can run/walk 6 miles at an 11:00 mile pace (or faster) before the first practice. Train with us and see how much fun 13.1 miles can be!

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 10k Training Program - Begins June 23:

If you have successfully run a 5k in the last 6 months and are ready for your next challenge, join our 10k training group.  This 10-week program is designed for our No Boundaries graduates and anyone who can currently run/walk 2-3 miles comfortably.  We will help you over the "4-mile barrier" and into distances that require two hands to count as you train for the Old Wethersfield 10k on August 26. 

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No Boundaries 5k Program - Begins June 23

Sponsored by New Balance

Have you always wanted to run or walk a 5k but didn't know how to begin training?  Maybe you are nervous or don't want to do it alone?  Maybe you have had a hard time sticking to a training program in the past.  If you answered "Yes" to any (or all!) of the above, this is the program for you! 

We use run/walk intervals and slowly ramp-up the time spent running and distance covered until you can complete a full 5k (3.1 miles). We offer lots of encouragement, a low coach-to-participant ratio and teach you the elements of Good Form Running so you can actually enjoy life on the run!

While No Boundaries focuses on beginners, all levels of walkers and runners are welcome. We will offer a special training group for those who have successfully completed a 5k before to help you run even faster and more comfortably...and to introduce you to new running friends.

One of the highlights of 2011 was chartering a beautiful wooden schooner and sailing Penobscot Bay in Maine with a great group of Fleet Feet Peeps. Four days and nights of sailing, gourmet eating and relaxing - sprinkled with a few run/walks in picturesque island villages (including one run to Black Dinah Chocolatiers on Isle Au Haut where we ate our fill of their award-winning sea salt caramels!). The trip was the perfect combination of adventure and pampering.

I'm thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting another chartered "Running Cruise" (though, you don't have to run - you can walk, swim or just relax) on the Stephen Taber this summer from July 31 - August 4. The trip will be led by our Events Manager, Kristen, and her husband Dave. While the Taber is a National Historic Landmark, it has been updated with modern amenities like electricity, running water, bathrooms and cozy private cabins. The all-inclusive trip fee is $788.

Perhaps the best feature on board is a vintage woodstove that produces five-star meals at the hands of a talented chef.  We're talking handmade breads, soups, risotto, gnocchi, roasts and delectable deserts - complemented by fresh ingredients from local gardens and the sea and perfectly paired wines.  Their motto is to error on the side of decadence.  It's no wonder Rachel Ray is a huge fan!    

To be tempted even more, check out the Stephen Taber's web site.  When you are ready to make your reservations and join me, call Captain Jane at 1-800-999-7352 or email info@stephentaber.com.  Be sure to mention that you want to reserve a spot on the Fleet Feet Running Cruise. 

Run, Sail, Eat...Repeat!

 The Second Annual Miles for Miracles 5k and Family Walk/Fun Run will be held on June 9, 2012 at Mortenson Riverfront Park in Hartford at 8:30am. All of the proceeds go directly to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Register online here. 

Register before May 31 and adults pay $20, youth just $10...and kids under 5 are free! All pre-registered runners get a free t-shirt (while supplies last). Race day registration of $25 is also available beginning at 7:30am.

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 If you like golf, this 5k is for you!  All participants in this race will receive a free one-day admission pass to the 2012 Travelers Championship (a PGA Tour event) in addition to their race t-shirt!  The race takes place in Cromwell along the roads that line the fairways and greens of the TPC River Highlands golf course.  5k start time is 8:30am with a ½ mile fun run for kids starting at 8am (kids get a shirt and a medal!). To learn more or register, click here.

This event is a fundraiser for Camp Courant - one of the nation's oldest and largest free summer day camps for under-privileged kids in the Hartford area. A donation of $25 sends a kid to camp for a day, $125 for a week and $750 enables them to go all summer long. To kick-start the fund-raising, $5 from every race entry fee will be donated to Camp Courant! If you can't run this year, consider donating to this worthy organization that promotes kids' fitness and education. 

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